Transport company, Stagecoach, has launched its nationwide low-cost bus service, allowing passengers to travel between major cities from just £1.

The company launched its Megabus concept in Scotland last year, where it has been a success since it began operating in August 2003.

Now it has expanded its itineraries to cover the rest of UK, including routes from London to Birmingham, Plymouth, Bristol, and Swansea.

Brian Souter, chief executive, said: “Megabus is one of the biggest changes to bus travel in decades. It is simple to use and will make inter-city bus travel affordable for everyone.”

“We think it has the potential to transform the demand for medium-distance bus travel in the same way that the low-cost operators have done in the airline industry,” he said.

Seats for the fleet of 14 reconditioned double-deckers will be sold solely on the internet.

Following the example of the budget airline industry, the fares for last-minute bookings and popular journeys will be higher than for ones booked in advance on less popular routes.

Stagecoach intends to prise its rival, National Express, out of the market with its new service.

National Express carries around 16 million passenger each year, and has recently started to market £1 fares on a number of routes. Details: www.megabus.com